LYCHETT Minster youngster Shaun Colvin has passed away suddenly at the age of 14.

Shaun died at home on Sunday (April 7), Lynchett Minster School said, having lived with a brain tumour (tectal glioma) for a number of years.

“He was always positive, thoughtful, and kind,” a spokesperson said. “In his short life, he achieved a great deal and gained the admiration and love of all who met him.

“He was actively involved in the Scout movement, which he loved. He achieved an impressive number of badges. He was very proud to wear his scout uniform in school on Remembrance Day.

“In school he had a genuine curiosity for learning and developed a real love of science.

“In the 2023 Prize Giving ceremony Shaun won the Carol Beverley Science Trophy – an award for the most promising scientist in Key Stage 3.”

Harbouring ambitions to travel the world, the youngster was able to travel to Naples with fellow pupils, visiting Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, and the Amalfi coast.

His mum, Alison, who is deputy head of Wealden House at the school, wrote on his return: “I am so very grateful to Shaun’s teachers for giving him this opportunity, he has just been filling me in on every detail and has had the most incredible time.

“Eight years ago, we were not sure of his future and even at that young age he set his sights on having as many experiences as he could, especially involving travel.

“When he could not run around like the other children he would sit for hours reading books about foreign shores and planned to see as much of the world as he could.

“Although he was never in any doubt we were unsure we would ever reach the point of him venturing far without us so this has been an enormous milestone.”

A school spokesperson added: “It is hard to think of a young man who has endured so much but borne it with such cheerfulness and courage.

“He will be greatly missed.

“We do appreciate that the sad news of Shaun’s passing will come as a terrible shock to those who knew him.”

As a result, the school said a team of counsellors, mentors and educational psychologists would be on hand to support pupils.

“Our hearts go out to Mrs Alison Colvin, Shaun’s mother, his father Simon and his younger sister, Chloe,” the spokesperson added.

“We cannot imagine the pain they must be feeling at this time.

“We will be looking to provide a permanent memorial to Shaun at the school in the months ahead. We will discuss what form this will take with Shaun’s family.”